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Better Call Paul

Lola Media
Netflix
Diddy
Streaming Services
Disney
Super Bowl
NCAA
NFL
Warner Brothers Discovery
FCC
Paramount
Hollywood
Taylor Swift
Marvel Cinematic Universe
NBA
Warner Bros. Discovery
AI In Entertainment
Youtube
Box Office
Fantastic Four
March Madness

Hosted by former Marvel entertainment lawyer Paul Sarker and entertainment enthusiast Mesh Lakhani, Better Call Paul will delve into the business and legal issues at play behind the glitz and glam. This show takes you beyond the catchy headlines to find out what’s really at play behind the scenes and gives you an introduction to the business side of show business.

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes213Founded4 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
NewsTV & FilmEntertainment News

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Artwork for Better Call Paul

Latest Episodes

This week, Paul and Jess focus on a sports-themed episode to celebrate the NBA champion New York Knicks, the arrival of the World Cup in North America for the first time in over 30 years, and how the recent Brendan Sorsby judicial decision could se... more

This week, Paul welcomes back special guest Sean Gupta who provides an update on how technology and AI are impacting the media business from areas such as search, recommendations, production, and licensing. To some degree old patterns have re-emerge... more

This week, Paul starts with the update that the DOJ appears likely to approve the Skydance-Paramount purchase of WBD. Next, Paul and Jess discuss the dramatic impacts of NJ's film and TV production incentives which have led to a dramatic increase in ... more

This week, Paul and Jess begin with the announcement that Charlamagne Tha God's smash hit radio show and video podcast will stream live on Netflix 5 days a week as Netflix further embraces a hybrid model offering live content. Next, they discuss the ... more

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Recent Guests

Sean Gupta
A prominent South Asian media executive, board member at T. Howard
T. Howard; Nexstar (former executive)
Episode: 522: Sean Gupta Discusses Media Tech Trends
Curry Barker
Filmmaker, Gen Z creator who made Obsession
Blumhouse co-production for Obsession
Episode: 521: DOJ Vets Paramount + WBD; NJ's Film and TV Production Boom; and Curry Barker Has Hollywood Obsessed
Katrien Grobler
Founder of Twinnin, AI/LIC and marketing tech entrepreneur
Twinnin; AICat
Episode: 514. NCAA Eligibility Proposal, Entertainment Layoffs, and Twinnin's Launch
Shashank Gupta
Co-owner of Nazranaa, largest retailer of Indian garments in the U.S.
Nazranaa
Episode: 445. Shashank Gupta: Fashion Executive and YouTube Creator
Gaurav Gupta
Founder of Squanto, an app that connects performers to gigs
Squanto
Episode: 434. Gaurav Gupta: Squanto
Ross Benes
Marketing Analyst and Author of '1999: The Rise of Low Culture'
eMarketer
Episode: 410. Ross Benes, Marketing Analyst and Author
Eric Perko
CEO of Apollo Partners and expert in advertising and media strategy
Apollo Partners
Episode: 409. Eric Perko, CEO Apollo Partners
Goldwyn Harper
Television Executive, Sports Executive
Episode: 404. Goldwyn Harper Interview: How Television Broke College Sports
Faisal Lateef
General Counsel of Avant Gardner, with a background in politics and music production
Avant Gardner
Episode: 338. Faisal Lateef: General Counsel of Avant Gardner

Hosts

Paul Sarker
Host of Better Call Paul; former Marvel lawyer; co-host with industry-legal background and extensive entertainment law experience.
Jessica David
Co-host with entertainment focus and industry insights; engages in analyses of entertainment business, production, and media strategy.

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 48 ratings
  • JK

    Paul isn’t actually my lawyer, but after the disclaimer, I want him to represent me. Always an entertaining cast about entertainment and a little sports.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    peterh7
    United States2 years ago
  • Absolutely outstanding

    This guy Paul is top notch - I really can’t express how much I love this show and how useful it is. Highly recommended !!!!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Jeremy Cott
    United States3 years ago
  • Smart and informative!

    Paul and Mesh have great chemistry. I really enjoy their engaging discussions about the entertainment industry, pop culture, and the intersections with law. I find myself learning a lot and jotting down notes on what to watch. I listen to a LOT of podcasts and this one is now one of my favorites. This podcast is so interesting and entertaining with a hint of nerdiness - I love it. Bravo-keep it up!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    FeedMePods
    United States3 years ago
  • Wow the algorithm really got this one right for me

    This is a perfect intersection of a few of my podcast interests: the media and entertainment industry, law, and two people having an engaging conversation. The hosts have insider knowledge without being too exclusionary, and they have good takes on the latest gossipy topics without delving into page six-like speculation. A bonus - I absolutely hate sports and hearing about sports, unless it’s these two talking about it!

    Just an overall solid podcast, I look forward to it every week.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    BellaFranklin
    United States4 years ago
  • Learn something

    Without the fillers. Super well edited and insightful!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    longtimelistenerandfan12345667
    United States4 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Audience enjoys practical takeaways for negotiating deals and understanding industry shifts.
Listeners appreciate the clear connection between legal realities and industry decisions.
Chemistry between hosts is repeatedly highlighted as a strong point of the show.
High-quality, well-edited discussions with insightful industry anecdotes.
The show provides insider perspective without feeling inaccessible or insidery.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

507. AI Video Generators Leap Forward; Swaps or Sports Betting
Q: What distinguishes a swap from a sports bet?
Kalshi argues that their contracts are swaps, not bets, because they trigger payments based on events with economic consequences, unlike standard sports betting.
507. AI Video Generators Leap Forward; Swaps or Sports Betting
Q: Have you seen these clips?
Jessica discusses seeing AI videos on TikTok, stating that while some are recognizable as fake, many look very realistic.
434. Gaurav Gupta: Squanto
Q: What was the light bulb moment for you going from an employee engineer to an entrepreneur?
I realized that many entrepreneurs have a seed in the back of their mind that takes time to germinate.
428. Emmy Nominations and Upfront Ad Commitments Close
Q: What are Paul and Mesh's thoughts on Disney's recent advancements in animatronics?
They think it's impressive technology and see potential for future applications in theme parks, discussing a balance between interaction and realism.
428. Emmy Nominations and Upfront Ad Commitments Close
Q: What are the major themes driving ad sales for networks?
The major theme is that sports is driving ad sales, highlighted by NBCU's record number of ad commitments during their upfront cycle due to major events like the Olympics and the Super Bowl.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Better Call Paul

What is Better Call Paul about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Listeners can expect a business- and law-forward take on Hollywood and related media ecosystems. Episodes frequently dissect labor negotiations, mergers, regulatory shifts, AI and IP questions, and the evolving economics of studios, streaming, and international production, all anchored by practical anecdotes from industry professionals. The show blends sharp legal insight with candid industry commentary, often tying high-profile industry news to tangible outcomes for actors, writers, studios, and brands. A standout angle is the hosts' willingness to connect courtroom- and deal-making realities to day-to-day production decisions, making it particularly valuable for PR, marketing, and sponsorship partners seeking access to informed entertainm... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Better Call Paul?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Better Call Paul:

1. The Daily Zeitgeist
2. The Daily Show: Ears Edition
3. Planet Money
4. Today, Explained
5. Call Her Daddy

How many episodes of Better Call Paul are there?

Better Call Paul launched 4 years ago and published 213 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Better Call Paul?

Recent guests on Better Call Paul include:

1. Sean Gupta
2. Curry Barker
3. Katrien Grobler
4. Shashank Gupta
5. Gaurav Gupta
6. Ross Benes
7. Eric Perko
8. Goldwyn Harper

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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